Chapter 19

Laurel welcomes Floyd and Poppy to her flat, noting Poppy’s formal outfit and feeling unease about the child’s lack of peer influence. As they tour family photos, Poppy interrogates Laurel about Jake, Blue, and Laurel’s ex-husband, Paul, while Floyd looks on approvingly. They share Cava, including a sip for Poppy, and discuss clothing and homeschooling, revealing Poppy’s preference for being “smart” and her disdain for peers.

Throughout the evening, Laurel observes the Floyd–Poppy dynamic: Floyd feeds Poppy’s spotlight, and every conversation centers on Poppy. Laurel is both charmed and disturbed, especially by Poppy’s uncanny resemblance to Ellie in features and expressions. Feeling a mutual need—Poppy for a mother, herself for a child—Laurel suggests a shopping trip, which Poppy eagerly accepts.

The next day at work, Laurel is relieved to escape the disquiet left in her flat—Poppy’s tidying, lilies’ heavy scent, Floyd’s forgotten scarf. She discusses the evening with colleague Helen, who frames Poppy’s behavior as only‑child syndrome and a typical “daddy’s girl” bond. Reassured, Laurel concludes Floyd is a loving father and the awkwardness may be her own issue.

Laurel then spends an unplanned entire weekend with Floyd—dinners, brunches, a cinema trip with Poppy, and an overnight stay—deepening their attachment. Feeling renewed, she calls Hanna to ask if Floyd can join the upcoming joint birthday dinner with Paul and the family. After initial resistance, Hanna agrees.

Floyd readily accepts, and when Laurel tentatively asks about including Poppy, he says Poppy would be thrilled. With Paul and Jake on board, Laurel books a chic Islington restaurant for eight, recognizing the risk yet committing to folding Floyd and Poppy into her complex family gathering.